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The picture represents the 2011-12 +/- per 48 minutes for each of nine key rotation
players for the Pacers on that squad. The blue bar is for when they were playing
with Danny Granger, the red is when the Captain was on the bench. Without Danny,
every single player’s +/- dropped, and the overall average was 11.4 points per 48
minutes.

Of course, that speaks as much about unit performance, as it does individual. It
makes sense that the team performance would drop when one of its two or three
most accomplished players was not on the floor. More evidence of Granger’s
positive impact on last year’s team can be seen in the Pacers shooting performance.

The Pacers shot a higher percentage in 11 of the 14 shooting zones on this chart
with Danny on the floor. Overall, the team’s eFG% dropped from 49.0% to 44.5%
when Granger went to the bench last year. And this wasn’t just Danny being an
above average shooter.

Over the first half of last season, Danny Granger suffered mightily from the floor,
posting an eFG% of only 44.3%. Still the Pacers shot better in 10 of the 14 zones,
their eFG% was 4.4% lower – 43.5% vs. 47.9% – with Granger on the bench. Again,
this is team performance, and not inconsistent with the overall squad talent declining
with anyone replacing Granger.

However, there’s actually some evidence that the individual performance of most of
the players was improved by...CONTINUE READING AT 8p9s

It’s going to be a relatively quick pre-game today since we’re on a back-to-back and,
well, we’re all probably a little exhausted from last night’s triple overtime loss.

As it is, the team travelled late to Indiana and will play the Pacers, who defeated the
Raptors on opening night, 90-88. As I mentioned in my post-game, that was a loss
under better circumstances, with Lowry healthy, able-bodied wing players in the
lineup, and with the benefit of rest and a lively home crowd. Instead, the team will
be without Lowry, Fields and Anderson once again, tired from a travel night and a
triple overtime game that saw Jose Calderon log 50 minutes and DeMar DeRozan
log 60.

By the way, before I jump into the breakdown I should note that as per the latest
news I have, Lowry did NOT travel with the team, but he tweeted, “Indy! This being
injured is for the birds!” which could be taken as him having made the trip. Fields
and Double-A are also not expected to play, as of the latest chatter on Twitter, but
please comment if this news changes before tip-off.

Point Guard – Advantage: Slightly Pacers
Calderon played a great game last night, but I am not hopeful about how he’ll play a
night after logging 50 minutes. Hopefully John Lucas broke his slump going three for
six last night and hitting a huge three late, because he’ll be relied on to provide
adequate back-up minutes. For the Pacers, Hill is seriously overpaid but has been
scoring at a steady clip so far this season now that he’s “the guy.” Augustin has been
terrible adjusting to his new squad, shooting just 18%. If Calderon can somehow look
fresh, you might give the nod to the Raptors, but that seems unlikely.

Wings – Advantage: Wash
With Danny Granger out, the Pacers have been struggling on the wings and have
resorted to rotating the starter beside George. While none have stood out, George
is a personal favorite who is oozing with potential and has already learned how to
contribute in other ways when the shots aren’t dropping. DeRozan has been at his
best of late, save for his shot selection late last night, but coming off of a 60-min
outing he could be tired/exhausted/zombified. Neither of the benches inspire much
confidence, so we call it a wash.

Bigs – Advantage: Pacers
West took it to Bargnani badly in the second half of the opener, and you can probably
expect more of the same tonight. Hibbert has been struggling significantly to lead “his”
team, but against Valanciunas...CONTINUE READING AT RAPTORS REPUBLIC

I expect nothing short of us coming out, imposing our will and stepping on their necks early.

11-13-2012, 04:33 PM

Ctman89

Wow it's crazy seeing Stephenson as a starter.

11-13-2012, 04:50 PM

TMJ31

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ctman89

Wow it's crazy seeing Stephenson as a starter.

He has certainly earned it though.

11-13-2012, 04:56 PM

Sparhawk

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Raptors played a 3OT game yesterday.

Pacers should really try and push the tempo to wear these guys out quickly. If their legs get tired, they'll start to miss a lot of shots.

11-13-2012, 04:57 PM

LucasRL13

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

We have to win this game, Toronto played yesterday a 3OT game vs Utah.

Tonight Lance will score a career high in points

11-13-2012, 04:57 PM

NapTonius Monk

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMJ31

He has certainly earned it though.

Happy for him. I was wrong about his ability to be a shot in the arm. It will be nice to see what he does as he becomes more comfortable. The added 3 point shot (so far) is really opening things up for him as well.

11-13-2012, 05:04 PM

TMJ31

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuickRelease

Happy for him. I was wrong about his ability to be a shot in the arm. It will be nice to see what he does as he becomes more comfortable. The added 3 point shot (so far) is really opening things up for him as well.

Agreed, his shooting has been the biggest surprise for me.

He is still making some silly mistakes when he tries to force it and do too much, especially off the dribble going into the lane.

However, his shooting and playmaking abilities have been superb.

11-13-2012, 05:22 PM

Hypnotiq

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

What happened to kyle lowry? huge out if he's not playing

11-13-2012, 05:23 PM

Pace Maker

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

We should be facing a tired Toronto team without their best player.

If we find a way to lose to lose this I don't know what to say

11-13-2012, 05:33 PM

vnzla81

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Pacers should be able to destroy them, I expect a career high for Paul George.

11-13-2012, 05:56 PM

NapTonius Monk

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pace Maker

We should be facing a tired Toronto team without their best player.

If we find a way to lose to lose this I don't know what to say

They still have Bargnani and Derosan...it's not like we're playing the Bobcats, a team we would walk right ov..

11-13-2012, 06:08 PM

90'sNBARocked

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

I just want to see better ball movement, better passing and less turnovers. If we can win this game convincingly I have faith that we will slowly start to turn the corner.

11-13-2012, 06:19 PM

PaulGeorgeHill

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Going to the game thanks to Pacerscolt1125!!! Go Pacers....I'm going to be there when Paul George and Lance Stephenson have career games!!!

11-13-2012, 06:24 PM

Derek2k3

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hypnotiq

What happened to kyle lowry? huge out if he's not playing

Ankle issue. Sounds bad, actually. He's traveling somewhere to get the original prognosis confirmed, which a week later is a bad sign.

What I want to see is Roy shut down Jonas. JV had a big impact on the last game, and if he's able to push Roy around/clean the glass, it could keep them in it.

EDIT:

The franchise could really use a big exciting win to drum up some interest locally. With the Colts cruising towards the playoffs, the Pacers need to show they are "worth" investing in, both with their time and money. Hopefully a dominating performance tonight would spark more interest among the locals.

11-13-2012, 06:31 PM

Trophy

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Lob City tonight? Gerald and Paul could be in for a big and exciting game.

11-13-2012, 06:31 PM

jbx225

Is this game a barometer to judge our progress from the first game or are the circumstances too different to compare?

Obviously the two teams are the same but the Raptors are coming off an overtime back-to-back. We are coming off of a few days off. Different home floor.

I'm just curious if we can look at this game in any way as a measure of progress and a taste of things to come (for the good or for the bad).

11-13-2012, 06:49 PM

eric1516

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Quote:

Originally Posted by vnzla81

Pacers should be able to destroy them, I expect a career high for Paul George.

Agreed. Hopefully the same for Stephenson as well.

11-13-2012, 06:52 PM

cgg

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Yay Raptors announcers. I've only seen Pacers broadcast once.

11-13-2012, 06:58 PM

vnzla81

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

I don't think there is more than 5k people there.

11-13-2012, 06:59 PM

LucasRL13

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Lance for 3

11-13-2012, 06:59 PM

eric1516

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Lance is off to a great start ;)

11-13-2012, 06:59 PM

Dr. Awesome

Re: 11/13/2012 Game Thread #8: Pacers Vs. Raptors

Serious question: When all is said and done, will Lance Stephenson have had a better career than Paul George?

He seems to want it more and whether you want to admit it or not, he has shown a lot more growth since entering the league.